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Home , Bhaderwah, Mughal Road, Pir Panjal Range, Rajouri

No 142 IPCS ISSUE BRIEF No 142 APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 Building Peace & Countering Radicalization Pir Panjal Regional Festival Integrating the Isolated Border Districts in J&K & Building Peace from Below*

D. Suba Chandran Deputy Director, IPCS, New Delhi

This essay focus on two districts in the sub region of J&K— and , along the of the outer . The primary objective is to highlight the conflict transformation (both positive and negative) in this region during the recent years; to explore the opportunities of an Pir Panjal festival bringing the various communities together and build peace from below; integrate the border districts with the national mainstream; and improve the physical and psychological connectivity of the Pir Panjal region with the rest and remove the feeling of physical isolation.

Idea of using a festival to promote tourism in J&K is not a new one; those who have witnessed the Ladakh festival, in all its colorful glory and culturally rich historical past, would agree how it has brought the region, its people and culture to the limelight. Of course, there are other places – from to and from to Basohli, which can easily boast the same – in terms of their rich culture, colorful people and beautiful places. The irony of J&K, however has been - there are numerous such regions in J&K, unfortunately remaining in the periphery, physically isolated and psychologically looking inward.

Ladakh festival, now celebrated during August every year, attracts global attention and tourists who visit the land of moon, as it is popularly referred, to enjoy the culture, people and places. While Ladakh has its own set of loyal tourists, mostly with an adventurous streak; the Ladakh festival has expanded its tourism base, with an ever greater number from within J&K, elsewhere in and across the world, especially Europe, visiting the region. For the last few years, there has been an increased emphasis on a Jammu festival as well. In 2007, the Jammu festival was celebrated for three days, which subsequently became a fortnightly festival, JAMMU & starting 2008. Although it attracted a huge crowd, especially since the performers at the festival came from all over the world, it remained confined to Jammu town. Bhaderwah, another region in J&K, also had its own festival recently. While none can deny the cultural and tourist importance of this beautiful valley; the festival seems to have been organized for the fact that it is the constituency of the former Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The Pir Panjal region, consisting of Rajouri and Poonch districts has the potential to be promoted with a similar festival at an international level. Doda and Bhaderwah also are a part of this mountain range, but for the purpose of this essay, only these two districts are being concentrated. Besides the tourist potential of this region, Building Peace & Countering Radicalization

Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi developing an alternative framework for peace and security in the region there is also an essential strategic need for such a operators are yet to make a dent in the area. The festival here (and in other border and interior BSNL communication network, when it works, and districts of J&K). the Airtel are the people’s only link with the rest of I world. Television network is far behind reaching these districts; even if they do, there is no PIR PANJAL REGION guarantee, that people can view them, for electricity UNDERSTANDING THE STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE is always a problem here. In fact, people are more tuned to listen to the imitations of Bollywood numbers being beamed from Radio Bagh for While each district of J&K has its own unique example, than from India! history, culture, festivals and traditions (and in some cases, even language), the politics of violence and over emphasis on militancy within the state and Thanks to the above, there is a feeling of New Delhi’s obsession with and J&K helplessness amongst the local communities, that as a ‘security state’, unfortunately, have isolated their interests and welfare have been taken for the people and their proud culture in this region. granted by the Union and State governments. There is a clear need for the State and Union governments to address this feeling, otherwise, it may end up Rajouri and Poonch districts, are located in one creating one more region within J&K, which feels corner of the J&K, and the country as well. To get alienated. from Jammu to Poonch, it takes a back-breaking eight-hour journey in private operator-run vehicles, most of which are tempo travelers or Tata sumos. Second, besides the alienation feeling, the political, Poonch is perhaps, one of the few district and sociological importance of Rajouri and Poonch headquarters in the country, where the State Road districts is important. Composed primarily of Corporation runs only two services from the state Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, the population is capital. Like in many other districts, the JKSRTC diverse. Further divisions (the Gujjars, Bakerwals, does not have a depot either in Rajouri or in Rajputs, PoK refugees, and ethnic Kashmiris), Poonch. A comparison with the neighbouring states cutting across religious lines, make these two of Punjab, Himachal and Haryana, would reveal the districts not only colourful, but on the flip side, also disastrous state of state-run buses. politically volatile.

The condition of the roads is relatively better today, While these two districts are known for its with the road between Jammu and Rajouri being communal harmony and peaceful co-existence, double-laned and metalled. The road between tremors of communal tensions have been felt in Rajouri and Poonch however, is still under recent years. To their credit, Poonch and Rajouri renovation. Here, news papers get delivered only in have never witnessed the displacement of minority the evening, electricity is erratic, and private mobile communities on a large scale, unlike what has happened in the Kashmir valley over the last two decades. While the Kashmiri Pandits felt insecure and were forced to leave the Valley and settle elsewhere as ‘internal refugees’; there has never The primary objective is to explore the been a large scale displacement of the Hindus and Sikhs in Poonch and Rajouri. opportunities of an international Pir Panjal

festival bringing the various communities Today however, there are clear fault lines. While together and build peace from below; integrate there have been no major communal riots between the border districts with the mainstream, improve different religious communities in recent years, the tension is palpable. There is an increased feeling physical and psychological connectivity of the Pir amongst the Muslim community that militant Hindu Panjal region with the rest and remove the organizations such as the Bajrang Dal are trying to feeling of physical isolation; and address some of increase the communal cleavage in the region. The increase of religious yatris to the Buddha Amarnath the positive and negative conflict transformation shrine, situated at Mandi, a few kilometres away from Poonch town, is seen as a deliberate move to communalize the situation, by diverting the

Page 2 BUILDING PEACE & COUNTERING RADICALIZATION Along the : The Forts & Sarais of Chingus (Left), Thanna Mandi (Middle) & Poonch (Right)

Amarnath yatris into this region. The recent torching borders with occupied Kashmir and has of shops in Poonch during the Amarnath Shrine witnessed the Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965 and land allotment controversy is also viewed by the 1971. The 1947 war, in fact, divided the erstwhile Muslim community as a Hindutva agenda to Poonch region into two; with most of its districts, polarize the community along regional lines. including Rawlakot and Kotli, falling onto the other side of the (LoC), under Pakistan’s On the other hand, the dominant perception, shared occupation. by the Hindus and Sikhs, is that since they are a silent minority, their sentiments are being taken for Today, Mendhar, and Poonch sub regions granted by the government, which is only interested are three main arteries, that the militants use to in appeasing the Muslim community. Most of the cross over to Kashmir valley. Peace and stability in developmental expenditure, the minority community these two districts are absolutely vital for any long complains, goes into addressing the concerns of the term solution to Kashmir valley. Though there is a majority Muslims in these twin districts. One boder fence today, it is not totally fool proof. Given example, that repeatedly finds mention is that there the nature of topography, and the fact that no single is no degree college along the 40 km stretch of barrier erected in the history of mankind has actually road between Nowshera and Rajouri, which is stopped the movement of determined human beings, dotted primarily with Hindu community settlements, LoC fence, is unlikely to be the solution. The way most of them PoK refugees. On the other hand, ahead, clearly is to keep these border districts safe, there are two degree colleges and a university along by making them peaceful. the 20 km stretch between Rajouri and Thana Mandi. In a communally sensitive situation, perceptions assume greater power and influence II than the reality. GETTING READY FOR THE CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION Besides the communal divide, there is a slow, but strong divide taking root between the Paharis and The rationale for the Pir Panjal international festival Gujjars, especially since the time the latter were in these two districts stem from the following positive granted the status of a ‘scheduled tribe’ (ST). The factors relating to conflict transformation in this Paharis (meaning ‘people of the hills’), comprise a region. category of people, which cuts across religious lines. They feel that granting the ST status to the Gujjars has undermined their position and undercut While the strategic significance of this region and their opportunities, as they believe that both, the certain negative developments have been highlighted Gujjars and Paharis come from the same in the previous section, there have also been a few geographic, social and economic terrain. The positive developments in the last few years. Given the Paharis believe that with such a decision, the future fact that both, Rajouri and Poonch have largely gone of their forthcoming generations has been put at unnoticed on the regional and certainly, on the stake. Hence, they have also started demanding national radars; these positive developments should that the same status or its equivalent be granted to be expanded further. At least two encouraging them. Whereas the Gujjars oppose any extension of developments are worth mentioning – decline in this reservation to the Paharis. This simmering militancy and greater cross-LoC movement of divided divide which is becoming more pronounced, could families. While militancy reached a peak in the late erupt at any time. 1990s in this region, in the last few years, it has been gradually dying out, even if it is not already dead. There are presently, no or very few local recruitments. Third, strategically, Rajouri and Poonch shares its In most cases, the militants for the lack of local

NO 142 Page 3 support, use these districts as a transit to Kashmir III valley, across the Pir Panjal, than to stay here and PIR PANJAL FESTIVAL AS AN AGENT OF CONFLICT indulge in violence. TRANSFORMATION & BUILDING PEACE FROM BELOW The security forces – both the army and local police have worked hard to bring the militancy down. How to address the conflict transformation Thanks to these factors, the people feel far more mentioned above? How to arrest the negative secure and relaxed, especially with a decrease in growths and strengthen the positive developments? the regular gun and artillery fire from state and non- How can an regional festival play a role in this? state actors – both overt and covert. Unlike few

years ago, today, once could travel in any road, without any fear. A. Creating Awareness about Rajouri and Poonch in the rest of J&K and India

There is an unmistakable need to market this Second, the opening of the Poonch-Rawlokot road region to the rest of J&K, India and abroad and the to enable members of divided families visit each proposed Pir Panjal international festival will other, has opened the eyes and hearts of people precisely do this . Unfortunately, J&K is largely seen living across the LoC, by breaking the numerous as synonymous with violence and conflict. Even if myths and false propaganda unleashed by state there is any discussion on tourism—it is restricted to machineries on either side. People are now able to tourism in Leh, Dal lake and Gulmarg, or the see for themselves what is really happening and pilgrimage to the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi can therefore, make their own assessments, based shrines. While undoubtedly, places like on their experience of realities at the ground level. and Leh deserve the attention they receive; this This perhaps, has been the most remarkable should not undermine the capacity of other places development in the region in the last six decades. like Bhaderwah, Kargil, Poonch and to attract and enthrall visitors. With a disproportionate The above-mentioned developments need to be focus on the former, the latter areas seem to have built on, and a Pir Panjal festival, as has been been abandoned by the tourists – whether those explained subsequently, can prove immensely visiting for purposes of religion, pleasure, or helpful in this regard. adventure. Poonch and Rajouri abound with places of scenic beauty, and opportunities for trekking and other adventure-related activities, and also shrines and other places of religious importance.

It would be pertinent to ask how many of the tourists who have visited other parts of J&K for adventurous and religious purposes, have toured Rajouri and Poonch districts? For example, while the numbers to the Vaishnodevi shrine, has substantially increased in the recent years, how many of them visited Rajouri and Poonch? If only these attractions were marketed well, then this region would not be thought of as a godforsaken place.

Besides the tourists from outside J&K, it is unfortunate that there are not many even from within the state who has visited these regions. Many government employees – from teachers to tourist officials, who have been appointed in these districts, have been candid enough to accept that it was their first visit ever to these regions. Even after Under Reconstruction: The heritage Mughal Road across the Pir Panjal their posting however, many of them have admitted that till date their own family members, including

Page 4 BUILDING PEACE & COUNTERING RADICALIZATION spouses and children have not visited these places. Pir Panjal festival will cement the ties between A Pir Panjal festival, will bring to these culturally and religious and ethnic communitie, for the festival religiously diverse and scenically splendid districts along the LoC, the publicity that they require and will have to include the different cultures and deserve. Once people from other parts of J&K and religions that are cohabiting in this district. This the rest of India start visiting, they are likely to act is likely to address this cleavage and remind the as brand ambassadors of Poonch and Rajouri, just as every visitor to Dal Lake and Ladakh does, people of different faiths and denominations of bringing in an ever increasing number of visitors. the common history and rich cultural heritage More importantly, the rest of J&K will also their region is endowed with. understand more about Rajouri and Poonch.

B. Bringing the Communities Together Second, the Pir Panjal festival is equally important districts and that the Poonch-Rawlakot bus service is from the perspective of cementing the ties between more famous that the Uri- bus, are religious and ethnic communities. As shall be seen reflections of the actual reality. subsequently, the Pir Panjal festival will have to include the different cultures and religions that are cohabiting in this district. As mentioned above, Today, although the people of this region are divided there are fault lines within these societies, which by the LoC; before 1947, they celebrated their have otherwise largely been peaceful and kept religious and secular festivals together. With the themselves away from violence. inauguration of the Poonch-Rawlakot bus service there has been considerable interaction between

people on either side, especially amongst the divided A secular Pir Panjal festival is likely to address this families. The proposed Pir Panjal festival is likely to cleavage and remind the people of different faiths expand this interaction beyond divided families and and denominations of the common history and rich attract people even from across the LoC to celebrate cultural heritage their region is endowed with. the festival. Already, those who have been visiting During the maharaja’s rule in the pre-1947 period, from across the LoC, have been taking part in or secular melas in the united Poonch were observing some of the secular events in India, such commonplace and helped emphasize the cultural as its republic and independence day celebrations, diversity of the region and the need for the people and have also been attending some religious festivals to live together in harmony. that have taken place in numerous Sufi shrines in Poonch and Thana Mandi, near Rajouri. C. Restoring the Past Glory Third, such a regional festival is likely to revive the D. Attracting the Diaspora and Preventing Brain Drain historical and cultural ties that undivided Poonch Finally, such an international festival is likely to enjoyed before 1947. Much before becoming the attract the diaspora of this region back to its roots subjects of Poonch rajas – under independent and in the process, provide the much-needed rulers, or under the influence of Mughal or Sikh exposure to the people of Rajouri and Poonch, rule, the people of Rajouri and Poonch districts on besides arresting the brain drain. Before 1947, the Indian side, had frequent and intense Poonch was the main center of learning and till date, interactions with the people of Bagh, Haveli (as the Poonchis are known for their high level of literacy Poonch was referred then), Sudhanati, Kotli, and within the region. Since 1947, especially since the districts of Kashmir under Pakistan wars in 1965 and 1971 and the establishment of the control. In fact, “” and “Pakistan LoC, Poonch has been relegated to one corner of occupied Kashmir” are misnomers. Except for a few India, linked to the rest of world by just one road – ethnic Kashmiris, mainly in Neelum and Poonch to Jammu via Rajouri and . Earlier, Muzaffarabad districts across the LoC, the rest of the people of these two districts would interact with the people and districts have more in common with the people of Kashmir through the Poonch-Uri the people of Rajouri and Poonch. The fact, that passage and the rest of Punjab mainly through the there are more divided families in these two

NO 142 Page 5 Poonch-Rawlakot, Mendhar-Kotli and Nowshera- for the civil society. Otherwise, one cannot discount Mirpur accesses. With the erstwhile Mughal road the possibility of a government tamasha, depending also having gone into complete disrepair, external on the ruling government’s equations with those connectivity for the people of this region became elected from the region. primitive and extremely difficult. Additionally, the failure of successive governments in J&K to provide better governance has resulted in the decline of the The nature of the proposed international festival socio-economic standards within this region. As a could be both secular and religious – covering result, many people from these regions are settled historical, archeological, anthropological, cultural and entertainment subjects. To start with, the Pir today in the rest of India and abroad Panjal festival could be a five-day affair, with most of the activity concentrated mainly in Rajouri and Lack of adequate resources and opportunities in Poonch towns. Subsequently, this can be extended these two districts have also forced a brain drain to ten days or two weeks, covering other towns as from these two districts. Today, there are more well well, including Mendhar, Surankot, Kalakot and educated people from these two districts, living perhaps even Bafliaz. The focus of this festival elsewhere, than from the region where they belong could be on the following: to. Except for a few dedicated and concerned noble souls, the rest have migrated for all practical purposes. An international festival, not only would A. Shahdra Shrine and the Poonch Triumvirate revive the rich culture and provide its people, the Shahdra Shrine, near Rajouri town, undoubtedly is much needed exposure, it will also arrest the brain the most important sufi shrine of the entire J&K, drain and bring back a section of Diaspora and be a promoting harmony and peace for several decades. part of it again. The shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah, after whom, the local university is named after, is a symbol of hope

and reverence for many people from different faiths IV – Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs. A clear PIR PANJAL REGIONAL FESTIVAL torch bearer of Sufi , this shrine is perhaps the THE COMPONENTS greatest secular tradition, which every one should cherish and embrace.

What should the proposed international festival include? What can be done immediately, without Besides the Shahdra Shrine near Rajouri, the investing much, and what can be left for later, Buddha , Sai Miran Shrine and which might require long-term planning and greater Nangali Sahib Gurudwara of the Hindu, Muslim and investment? And who should lead it – the Sikh communities, situated within a span of twenty government or the civil society, or both? kilometers near Poonch, is a symbol of religious harmony. No other region in J&K has such important places of worship belonging to three The last question is easy to answer. Such a festival different communities, situated next to each other. should be a private-public partnership – for without Both Sain Miran and Nangali Sahib are located the two, this initiative cannot be made as a long along the banks of the Drungali Nallah (rivulet); with term success. While the top should assist, this Sain Miran perched atop a hill, close to the LoC, initiative should essentially be a bottom up from where one can see the villages on the other approach, where there is sufficient input and space side, and Nangali Saheb almost at the confluence

The Poonch Triumvirate: Shrines of Sai Miran (Left), Buddha Amarnath (Middle) & Nangali Saheb (Right)

Page 6 BUILDING PEACE & COUNTERING RADICALIZATION of the Drungali Nallah and . Besides their religious significance, both these places are also a visual treat for tourists. Budha Amarnath, on the other hand, is situated on the Loran Nullah, from where one can see the snow-clad Pir Panjal.

One could start from Poonch town, offering early morning prayers at Budha Amarnath, visit Nangali Sahib in the noon, take part in the langar (community lunch) and spend the evening in Sain Miran and return to Poonch the same day.

Symbol of Communal Harmony: Shahdra Shrine near Rajouri B. The Gujjar and Pahri Cultures For the sociologists and the anthropologists, there become the highlight of the Pir Panjal festival. are two distinct cultures – Pahari and Gojri, each with its own folk songs, dances and literature. Unfortunately, these cultures are declining, as the To attract participation from other regions of J&K and patronage they earlier enjoyed has been withering beyond, more events could be included in the fest. away. While before 1947, the Mahrajas used to be For example, a cycle race from Bafliaz to Dera-ki- the chief patrons of these cultures, post-1947, Ghali (the highest point on Poonch-Bafliaz-Rajouri) thanks to the neglect by the state and violence road, or a trekking competition from Loran to during the last two decades, these cultures no Gulmarg across the Pir Panjal or even a race – cycle longer have the platform and space they deserve. or motor – along the Mughal road from Bafliaz to There are numerous well-meaning people within the Sophian, could attract people from all over the world. region, who are extremely concerned and People from all over Europe and Canada already enthusiastic about reviving their declining cultures. come to Leh to cycle to Khardung La, a distance of 40 kms, and if promoted properly, one could expect a decent participation from these countries to take part Mushiara, recital of Urudu poetry is another popular in the proposed Pir Panjal festival. entertainment in these two districts, which is also popular in other parts of the State. Easily, a series of such events could be organized in five days in More importantly, a car rally, starting from Rajouri – different towns of these two districts. The local taking the circuitous route to Mendhar and Poonch police in the recent months have organized such via Bhimber Galli can get back to the starting point events in Mendhar, Poonch, Surankote and Rajouri, and should be an interesting one. Once the most which have been a huge success amongst the local popular Mughal road is ready, there could be a car civil society. Recently in 2009, the Cultural rally across the Pir Panjal – starting from Srinagar Academy of J&K along with local civil society and ending up in Jammu via these two districts. organized a painting exhibition at the national level in Rajouri. Pahri paintings having a unique space, (though practiced mainly around Basholi) could be a D. Remnants of History: Chingus, Thanna Mandi, part of this international festival. Noor-e-Chamb and the Mughal Road For those archaeologists and people interested in history and heritage, there could be no better place C. Wrestling, Stone Lifting, Trekking, Cycle Race and than the Chingus and the entire Mughal road in this Pir Panjal Car Rally region. The Mughal road, as the name suggests, is Recently during February-March 2010, the local the road used by the Mughal rulers, to move from police organized Volley ball matches, which were a Agra to Srinagar via New Delhi and , before huge successes in these two districts. Besides such crossing Rajouri and the Pir Panjal. This road is well known sports and activities, this region has dotted with sarais (inns) constructed by the Mughals certain secular events, peculiar to this region, to help their movement. including wrestling, ‘stone lifting’ and ‘wrist holding’.

Though the state has supported some of these events as part of the region’s rural sports culture, While many of these sarais are in dilapidated especially among the youth, these activities could condition or encroached, the forts in Chingus and

NO 142 Page 7 Thanna Mandi before and after Rajouri in the may not be able to accommodate even 100 people Mughal road have tales of history. Chingus hosts in the government and private hotels and the intestines of the Mughal emperor , bungalows. The roads need to be developed while Thanna Mandi is a treat to watch, especially urgently. Unfortunately, despite being a national the Queen’s quarters and her bathroom. Noor-e- highway, the Jammu-Poonch road is perhaps one of Chamb, situated in the Pir Panjal is a water falls, the worst roads in the entire country. Other access where the Queen Noor Jahan used to bathe. roads also need to be developed along with proper Besides, there are numerous huts across the Pir wayside amenities. Panjal.

It will be an impossible task to attract national and The elders in this region also consider, much before international tourists in the absence of such basic the Mughals, other should have also taken this infrastructure. Imagine a 200 km plus highway, with road. They even consider, that those who attended a signboard that proudly declares “Welcome to the the Second Buddhist Council in Kashmir, during the Jammu-Poonch national highway”, but is full of period of Kushanas in first AD, should have gone via potholes and without any decent roadside the road. Though this cannot be historically proved, restaurants and washrooms! Providing this basic it sounds logical. Perhaps, they traveled via Loran infrastructure should be the joint responsibility of near Poonch. If true, then Mughal road, predating both, the state and union governments. the Mughals, should be one of the oldest road in

the country! C. Including Civil Society Actors: Civil society actors

can be called upon to help in organizing the events V of the festival. Both, religious and secular civil THE FESTIVAL AHEAD society groups will be extremely interested in being part of the festival and will also have a stake in

organizing it. The trusts of Shadra Sharief, Sai Clearly, the need for a Pir Panjal festival and its Miran, Nangali Sahib and Budha Amarnath, will be implications for the society and nation cannot be more than willing to take part in such a festival. So underestimated or overlooked. How does one will the cultural and business groups of the region. pursue the matter further? What needs to be done In terms of organizing the event, the local at the societal and state levels? administration in Poonch or its tourism department can take the lead, with support from civil society A. Budget and Funding: Such a festival needs actors and foundations. support from both the state and society. Clearly, the local society cannot organize such an event on its D. Pir Panjal Festival across the LoC: At a later own. The direction and funding support will have to stage, when the governments are confident, they come from the State and Union governments, in the could even invite people from across the LoC; same manner that it has assisted the organization people across the LoC on the other side, share the of the Ladakh and Jammu festivals. The same way, same culture and history. In fact, it could become a the government could not organize such an event, great CBM in itself, if this festival is to be extended without the local support. There is a need for the and celebrated simultaneously in Bhimber and private-public partnership. The civil society should Rawlokot as well, and the population moving across also organize itself, than just complaining that the for a period of three to five days! State has to do everything.

E. Looking upto Omar and Jora: All that is needed is B. Creating Necessary Infrastructure: From travel to a vision. With young and dynamic Chief Minister and accommodation, there is a need to improve the Tourism Minister in the form of and basic infrastructure of the district. Intervention of Rigzin Jora, this should be a cake walk for them to the State is crucial in this sector, in terms of organize. The entire region and the rest of India will improving the connectivity and providing adequate be indebted to them, for taking such an initiative. facilities for people to move around, stay and take Dont forget, 2010 is the year of tourism for J&K! part. As mentioned above, the JKSRTC operates few services in this regions. There are hardly any accommodation facilities available; and given the * An earlier version of this essay was published as IPCS current infrastructure, the district headquarters, Special Report in 2009 calling for a Poonch Festival.

Page 8 BUILDING PEACE & COUNTERING RADICALIZATION